60 pages • 2 hours read •
A Scatter Of Light
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
California • 2010s
2022
Dutton Books for Young Readers
YA
18+ years
HL790L
Super Short Summary
In A Scatter of Light by Malinda Lo, 18-year-old Aria Tang West spends the summer of 2013 in California with her artist grandmother after a classmate shares her nude photos online without consent. While grappling with her sexuality and personal identity, Aria is embraced by an older queer friend group and explores the vibrant LGBTQ+ community in the Bay Area, all while learning about art and family. The story addresses a young person's experience of having nude photos taken and shared without consent.
Contemplative
Emotional
Romantic
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
11,006 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
A Scatter of Light by Malinda Lo is lauded for its evocative prose and exploration of LGBTQ+ themes, capturing the intricacies of self-discovery and first love. Critics appreciate the rich character development but note the pacing can be slow. While the narrative resonates emotionally, some find it predictable. Nonetheless, it's a poignant, reflective addition to queer literature.
Who Should Read A Scatter Of Light?
A reader who would enjoy A Scatter Of Light by Malinda Lo is likely a fan of nuanced LGBTQ+ narratives and coming-of-age stories. Ideal for those who appreciated Alice Oseman's Heartstopper series or Becky Albertalli's Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, it appeals to readers who cherish themes of self-discovery, identity, and complex relationships.
11,006 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Joan West
Joan West
Joan is Aria’s paternal grandmother, a well-known artist who mentors Aria and offers her a safe space full of artistic inspiration and exploration.
Steph Nichols
Steph Nichols
Steph is Aria’s first love interest of the same gender, a thoughtful gardener and musician who helps Aria explore her evolving sexuality.
Matthew West
Matthew West
Matthew is Aria’s father, a caring but somewhat awkward author and professor who is Aria's primary guardian post-divorce.
Alexis Tang
Alexis Tang
Alexis, Aria’s mother, is a frequently traveling opera singer whose career ambitions have created distance in her relationship with Aria.
Tasha Lewis
Tasha Lewis
Tasha is Aria’s best friend since childhood, a wealthy and understanding confidante who experiences parallel personal growth alongside Aria.
A Scatter of Light by Malinda Lo is a companion novel to her critically acclaimed book Last Night at the Telegraph Club, which won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2021.
The novel delves into themes of self-discovery and identity, echoing the natural landscapes and historical settings that inspire much of Lo's literary work.
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336
Novel • Fiction
California • 2010s
2022
Dutton Books for Young Readers
YA
18+ years
HL790L
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